Website optimization comes from more than just the design. The content also needs to be optimized with proper SEO techniques. Overuse of optimization techniques can lead to penalties.
Penalties are becoming more frequent with the recent content posted by Matt Cutts. This makes Google look at content, links and keyword usage much harder. What was once okay is no longer tolerable.
Preventing penalties is the ideal way to keep your reputation and readership. Content is made unavailable once it is flagged for a link or content infraction. Using the latest SEO guidelines ensures the safety of your content.
Links Match Article Titles
When you are creating titles and links for your posts, make sure they intertwine. This means that you should take keywords from the post title and insert them into the link. This results in a higher search ranking.
One web hosting provider that this will not work with is Weebly. Users are not able to create custom links. The most popular host is WordPress.
The ability to create custom links directs readers to your content better. If your title is ‘Incorporating Social Signals into your Content Properly’, you would use social signals in the link. Shorter keywords have better results for linking purposes.
High Ranking Links
The links that you use in the content of your website are crucial. Low-quality links are where Google will get suspicious. Penalties come from low-quality or link building situations frequently.
Tips for Selecting High-Quality Links:
- View the PR rank of the website
- Only use PR 4 and higher rated links
- Ensure that this is a quality representation of content
- View the Reputation of the website
- Link to related material only, using reputable sources such as Forbes, CNN and Huffington Post
Even with high-ranking links, be careful as to how many links are used. Too many links represents link building. Link building is frowned upon by Google and leads to link penalties.
If you are unsure about the validity or value of a link, consult an SEO specialist. They have the necessary tools to assess the value of a link. Their opinion is very important and should be considered as sound advice.
Use Proper Keywords
It’s important to use the right keywords as well as the right number of keywords. Stuffing keywords is overkill. It is also a big no-no in Google’s eyes.
Choose one or two prime keywords for 500 words of content and no more than four or five for 1,000 words or more. Only use these keywords one time each in the content. Arrange geo-tags however you like but only use it one time.
When too many keywords are used in content, it makes it sound unnatural. It immediately turns readers off. The use of connecting words is helpful as it is recognized and accepted by Google.
Don’t Overdo It
SEO Professionals are a great tool to use to ensure that you’re not over optimizing. SEO specialists stay up-to-date on Google content regulations. They understand what is acceptable and what isn’t.
Have a professional look over the content on your site. If it is overkill in the promotion department, they will let you know. Suggestions to fix the content are likely to be offered.
Don’t over promote. Use word play instead. It entices readers to continue reading your content. Understanding how to properly optimize your website can be confusing. It is best to familiarize yourself with current Google regulations. If there is something you don’t understand, ask a professional.
SEO is one thing, but overkill turns readers away. Focus more on your product or service with one prominent keyword. Avoid strings of redundant or unnecessary keywords.